Potash is one of names of a carbonate of potassium: the salt known to the person since the most ancient times. He was used still by ancient Romans for washing of clothes. Today use of potash is much broader.
Physical and chemical properties of potash
Potash represents one of average salts of unstable coal acid. The purified potash looks as fine-crystalline powder of flavourless white color with alkaline taste. In the crude look it has a little reddish shade because of availability of impurity. It is perfectly dissolved in water, it is not capable to be dissolved in ethanol. Water solution of potash possesses pronounced bactericidal action, and the higher it temperature, the is stronger antimicrobial action. Temperature of melting of a carbonate of potassium is 891 degrees.
Water solutions of potash of various concentration are capable to be dehydrated at a temperature about 160 degrees. Colourless crystals of a monoklinny singoniya turn out. Water solution can react with dioxide of carbon and sulfur, forming hydrocarbonates and hydrosulphates respectively.
Receiving potash
History of a way of receiving potash originates in an extreme antiquity. This way consisted in the following: wood ashes were poured into ware and added hot water. Ashes were received from the trees rich with potassium. Then made a fire and poured out the received mix on it. The fire should not go out, then under firewood potash will be besieged. It will have a reddish shade because of a small amount of impurity. Today potash is received in electrolytic interaction of a carbonate of magnesium in the form of suspension with potassium chloride solution. There is also other way. For its implementation it is necessary to carbonate potassium hydroxide solution in an electrolytic bathtub.
Use of potash
Thanks to its alkaline properties, ancient Romans used potash for washing of clothes. At reaction with water it forms the alkaline environment capable to dissolve fats and to remove spots. Today application of a carbonate of potassium is much broader. It is used as nutritional supplement. It carries name E501 and is applied as the stabilizer. It helps to mix immiscible substances (water and oil) in the nature. Also E501 is used as the acidity regulator. It maintains in a product a certain pH value, a pH value. Scientists proved harm of this additive for the person. Potash provokes allergic reactions and is especially dangerous to patients with asthma. The alkaline nature of potash allows to apply it in the soap-producing industry and also to disinfection. It is added to eczema and other skin diseases medicine for repeated strengthening of effect. This powder process livestock farms and stables.